That durability makes these molecules easy to transport, and easy to administer in a variety of ways, perhaps by injecting them into the bloodstream as a treatment for an ongoing infection. The two designer molecules also both engage the virus in a super-tight squeeze, allowing less to do more. The untreated hamsters fell dangerously ill, but the hamsters that received the nasal spray fared far better. Ms. Carter and her colleagues are currently running similar experiments with their mini-binder, and seeing comparable results. And neither team has yet worked out a perfect way to administer their products into animals or people.

Source: New York Times November 21, 2020 09:56 UTC